Tableau Desktop Level 1: Introduction

Overview

Tableau has for some time been one of the most popular Business Intelligence and data visualization tools available. Why? Because, quite simply, it’s a tool that’s responsive to the needs of modern businesses. But it’s most effective when you know how to get what you want from it – it might make your business intelligent, but it isn’t going to make you intelligent…

We’ll make sure you’re well prepared to take full advantage of Tableau 10’s new features. Whether you’re an experienced data analyst that wants to explore 2016’s new Tableau, or you’re a beginner that wants to expand their skillset and bring a more professional and sharper approach to their organization, we’ve got you covered. Beginning with the fundamentals, such as data preparation, you’ll soon learn how to build and customize your own data visualizations and dashboards, essential for high-level visibility and effective data storytelling. You’ll also find out how to so trend analysis and forecasting using clustering and distribution models to inform your analytics.

But it’s not just about you – when it comes to data it’s all about availability and access. That’s why we’ll show you how to share your Tableau visualizations. It’s only once insights are shared and communicated that you – and your organization – will start making smarter and informed decisions. And really, that’s exactly what this guide is for.

Features

• Create stylish visualizations and dashboards that explain complexity with clarity

• Learn effective data storytelling to transform how your business uses ideas and makes decisions

• Explore all the new features in Tableau 10 and start to redefine what business analytics means to your organization

Learning

• Find out how to build effective visualizations and dashboards

• Prepare and clean your data so you can be sure Tableau is finding answers to your questions – not raising more problems

• Discover how to create advanced visualizations that explain complexity with clarity and style

• Dig deeper into your data with clustering and distribution models that allow you to analyze trends and make forecasts

• Learn how to use data storytelling to aid decision-making and strategy

• Share dashboards and visualizations to cultivate a culture where data is available and valued

Version

This course will be taught with the Version 10 course materials and software. Users of Tableau Version 9 will feel comfortable in the class because the user interface is very similar between versions 9 and 10. Instructors will also be able to highlight new features and differences between the two versions, as appropriate.

Audience

This two-day course is designed for the beginner Tableau user. It will help you understand and use the basic techniques for creating visualizations and combining them in interactive dashboards. This course is taught using Tableau version 10 software. However, the class is appropriate for users of version 9 and the instructor will highlight the minor differences between the two versions.

Prerequisites

Before attending this course, students should have experience using Microsoft Excel.

Certification Options

This class, when combined with our Tableau Level 2 class, offer a strong foundation in preparation for the Tableau Qualified Associate Exam. Exam prep guide is shown here: mkt.tableau.com/files/Desktop-9-QA-Prep-Guide.pdf

Course Outline

1: Creating Your First Visualizations and Dashboard

Connecting to data

Foundations for building visualizations

Visualizing data

Creating bar charts

Creating line charts

Creating geographic visualizations

Using Show Me

Bringing everything together in a dashboard

Summary

2: Working with Data in Tableau

The Tableau paradigm

Connecting to data

Managing data source metadata

Working with extracts instead of live connections

Tableau file types

Joins and blends

Filtering data

Summary

3: Moving from Foundational to More Advanced Visualizations

Comparing values across different dimensions

Visualizing dates and times

Relating parts of the data to the whole

Visualizing distributions

Visualizing multiple axes to compare different measures

Summary

4: Using Row-Level, Aggregate, and Level of Detail Calculations

Creating and editing calculations

Overview of the three main types of calculations

Level of Detail calculations

Parameters

Practical examples of calculations and parameters

Ad hoc calculations

Performance considerations

Summary

5: Table Calculations

Overview of table calculations

Quick table calculations

Relative versus fixed

Scope and direction

Addressing and partitioning

Custom table calculations

Practical examples

Data densification

Summary

6: Formatting a Visualization to Look Great and Work Well

Formatting considerations

Understanding how formatting works in Tableau

Adding value to visualizations

Summary

7: Telling a Data Story with Dashboards

Dashboard objectives

Example - is least profitable always unprofitable?

Designing for different displays and devices

How actions work

Example - regional scorecard

Stories

Summary

8: Making Data Work for You

Structuring data for Tableau

Techniques for dealing with data structure issues

Overview of advanced fixes for data problems

Summary

9: Advanced Visualizations, Techniques, Tips, and Tricks

Advanced visualizations

Sheet swapping and dynamic dashboards

Advanced mapping techniques

Using background images

Animation

Summary

10: Sharing Your Data Story

Presenting, printing, and exporting

Sharing with users of Tableau Desktop and Tableau Reader

Sharing with users of Tableau Server, Tableau Online, and Tableau Public

Additional distribution options using Tableau Server

Summary